I just wanted to bring this writer and Blogger to your notice. More later
http://markavery.info
Sunday, November 25, 2012
The story about a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo in Australia.
Anyone using the Internet gets a lot of emails , some from friends and some not so friendly.
I often ignore them and just delete even from friends because I just don't have time to look at everything.
But if I do look I often try to find out more about the content because they often don't have the name of the originator or any reference and I have just done so to find out where this story came from.
I'm telling you all this because the email does contain a series of lovely photos showing an injured female cockatoo , rescued after a road accident, wing amputated, kept in a cage but still attracted a passing wild male bird and eventually with the helpful rescuer raised a couple of offspring! To find out the source of the story use the link below.
http://www.northwestbirdclub.org/InTheNews.htm You'll see there is even a book about the story!
I don't know how to share the email with you but this is one of the pictures it contained. I might just add one photo with every post over the next few weeks.
It makes a good interlude after all the ongoing gloom and doom.
I often ignore them and just delete even from friends because I just don't have time to look at everything.
But if I do look I often try to find out more about the content because they often don't have the name of the originator or any reference and I have just done so to find out where this story came from.
I'm telling you all this because the email does contain a series of lovely photos showing an injured female cockatoo , rescued after a road accident, wing amputated, kept in a cage but still attracted a passing wild male bird and eventually with the helpful rescuer raised a couple of offspring! To find out the source of the story use the link below.
http://www.northwestbirdclub.org/InTheNews.htm You'll see there is even a book about the story!
It makes a good interlude after all the ongoing gloom and doom.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
World Bank Report on the effects of Climate Change
Here are some extracts from Transition Langport Newsletter.
These two items caught my attention and are worth posting here for anyone interested in the future of wildlife in our beautiful Somerset.
South Somerset Climate Action campaigns for sustainable - and better - communities which will involve: reliable food supplies; protection and careful use of our biological heritage, forests, fresh water & oceans, fuels and minerals; renewable energy generation; waste limitation and pollution control.
The report Turn Down the Heat: Why a 4°C Warmer World Must be Avoided is a result of contributions from a wide range of experts from across the globe. We thank everyone who contributed to its richness and multidisciplinary outlook.
Foreword
It is my hope that this report shocks us into action. Even for those of us already committed to fighting climate change, I hope it causes us to work with much more urgency.
This report spells out what the world would be like if it warmed by 4 degrees Celsius, which is what scientists are nearly unanimously predicting by the end of the century, without serious policy changes.
The 4°C scenarios are devastating: the inundation of coastal cities; increasing risks for food production potentially leading to higher malnutrition rates; many dry regions becoming dryer, wet regions wetter; unprecedented heat waves in many regions, especially in the tropics; substantially exacerbated water scarcity in many regions; increased frequency of high-intensity tropical cyclones; and irreversible loss of biodiversity, including coral reef systems.
And most importantly, a 4°C world is so different from the current one that it comes with high uncertainty and new risks that threaten our ability to anticipate and plan for future adaptation needs.
The lack of action on climate change not only risks putting prosperity out of reach of millions of people in the developing world, it threatens to roll back decades of sustainable development.
It is clear that we already know a great deal about the threat before us. The science is unequivocal that humans are the cause of global warming, and major changes are already being observed: global mean warming is 0.8°C above pre industrial levels; oceans have warmed by 0.09°C since the 1950s and are acidifying; sea levels rose by about 20 cm since pre-industrial times and are now rising at 3.2 cm per decade; an exceptional number of extreme heat waves occurred in the last decade; major food crop growing areas are increasingly affected by drought.
Despite the global community’s best intentions to keep global warming below a 2°C increase above pre-industrial climate, higher levels of warming are increasingly likely. Scientists agree that countries’ cur- rent United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change emission pledges and commitments would most likely result in 3.5 to 4°C warming. And the longer those pledges remain unmet, the more likely a 4°C world becomes.
Data and evidence drive the work of the World Bank Group. Science reports, including those produced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, informed our decision to ramp up work on these issues, leading to, a World Development Report on climate change designed to improve our understanding of the implications of a warming planet; a Strategic Framework on Development and Climate Change, and a report on Inclusive Green Growth. The World Bank is a leading advocate for ambitious action on climate change, not only because it is a moral imperative, but because it makes good economic sense.
But what if we fail to ramp up efforts on mitigation? What are the implications of a 4°C world? We commissioned this report from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Climate Analytics to help us understand the state of the science and the potential impact on development in such a world.
These two items caught my attention and are worth posting here for anyone interested in the future of wildlife in our beautiful Somerset.
South Somerset Climate Action campaigns for sustainable - and better - communities which will involve: reliable food supplies; protection and careful use of our biological heritage, forests, fresh water & oceans, fuels and minerals; renewable energy generation; waste limitation and pollution control.
-------------------------------------------------
Hello All,
I only came across the World Bank's recent report 'Turn down the Heat' by accident when I was reading through the Guardian's 'Climate Change' articles. Since the World Bank is hardly one of those left-wing organisations that the UK media love to deride, you might have thought that we would have heard about the report before now. However, I could not, for example, find any reference to it in the BBC's news and current affairs coverage - but then I guess that avoiding 4 degrees C of global warming is too trivial a matter to be placed before the British public. Anyway here is the link to the World Bank's report:
http://climatechange.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/Turn_Down_the_heat_Why_a_4_degree_centrigrade_warmer_world_must_be_avoided.pdf
Even if it is not considered sufficiently important by the BBC, Sky News and newspapers other than the Guardian, perhaps you know of ways to get the report in front of more people than it would otherwise reach?
Best wishes,
Peter R
I only came across the World Bank's recent report 'Turn down the Heat' by accident when I was reading through the Guardian's 'Climate Change' articles. Since the World Bank is hardly one of those left-wing organisations that the UK media love to deride, you might have thought that we would have heard about the report before now. However, I could not, for example, find any reference to it in the BBC's news and current affairs coverage - but then I guess that avoiding 4 degrees C of global warming is too trivial a matter to be placed before the British public. Anyway here is the link to the World Bank's report:
http://climatechange.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/Turn_Down_the_heat_Why_a_4_degree_centrigrade_warmer_world_must_be_avoided.pdf
Even if it is not considered sufficiently important by the BBC, Sky News and newspapers other than the Guardian, perhaps you know of ways to get the report in front of more people than it would otherwise reach?
Best wishes,
Peter R
The report Turn Down the Heat: Why a 4°C Warmer World Must be Avoided is a result of contributions from a wide range of experts from across the globe. We thank everyone who contributed to its richness and multidisciplinary outlook.
Foreword
It is my hope that this report shocks us into action. Even for those of us already committed to fighting climate change, I hope it causes us to work with much more urgency.
This report spells out what the world would be like if it warmed by 4 degrees Celsius, which is what scientists are nearly unanimously predicting by the end of the century, without serious policy changes.
The 4°C scenarios are devastating: the inundation of coastal cities; increasing risks for food production potentially leading to higher malnutrition rates; many dry regions becoming dryer, wet regions wetter; unprecedented heat waves in many regions, especially in the tropics; substantially exacerbated water scarcity in many regions; increased frequency of high-intensity tropical cyclones; and irreversible loss of biodiversity, including coral reef systems.
And most importantly, a 4°C world is so different from the current one that it comes with high uncertainty and new risks that threaten our ability to anticipate and plan for future adaptation needs.
The lack of action on climate change not only risks putting prosperity out of reach of millions of people in the developing world, it threatens to roll back decades of sustainable development.
It is clear that we already know a great deal about the threat before us. The science is unequivocal that humans are the cause of global warming, and major changes are already being observed: global mean warming is 0.8°C above pre industrial levels; oceans have warmed by 0.09°C since the 1950s and are acidifying; sea levels rose by about 20 cm since pre-industrial times and are now rising at 3.2 cm per decade; an exceptional number of extreme heat waves occurred in the last decade; major food crop growing areas are increasingly affected by drought.
Despite the global community’s best intentions to keep global warming below a 2°C increase above pre-industrial climate, higher levels of warming are increasingly likely. Scientists agree that countries’ cur- rent United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change emission pledges and commitments would most likely result in 3.5 to 4°C warming. And the longer those pledges remain unmet, the more likely a 4°C world becomes.
Data and evidence drive the work of the World Bank Group. Science reports, including those produced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, informed our decision to ramp up work on these issues, leading to, a World Development Report on climate change designed to improve our understanding of the implications of a warming planet; a Strategic Framework on Development and Climate Change, and a report on Inclusive Green Growth. The World Bank is a leading advocate for ambitious action on climate change, not only because it is a moral imperative, but because it makes good economic sense.
But what if we fail to ramp up efforts on mitigation? What are the implications of a 4°C world? We commissioned this report from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Climate Analytics to help us understand the state of the science and the potential impact on development in such a world.
Oaken Wood is at risk, you can help us save it - The Woodland Trust
Oaken Wood is at risk, you can help us save it - The Woodland Trust
The Kent Wildlife Trust is working with the Woodland Trust to save this Wood. Here is a quote from the Woodland Trust web site:
The Kent Wildlife Trust is working with the Woodland Trust to save this Wood. Here is a quote from the Woodland Trust web site:
Over 32 hectares of ancient woodland in Kent under threat from plans to quarry into Oaken Wood.
Over 6,500 of you helped us to convince Secretary of State Eric Pickles to ‘call in’ the planning application for a public inquiry. Now we have the chance to ensure that the plans are examined in detail.
The public inquiry is due to start 27th November 2012. The Woodland Trust, along with Kent Wildlife Trust, is taking part and we are currently preparing our evidence to present to the Planning Inspector.
Public meeting, Talk tonight 22nd Nov
Due to very bad weather with high winds, recent flooding and heavy rain due in the next hour or so we have had to cancel our public meeting on the history and folklore of herbs and how they relate to todays usage.
Apologies for late cancellation. We hope to rearrange the talk at a later date.
Apologies for late cancellation. We hope to rearrange the talk at a later date.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Conservative party conspiracy to sabotage climate change progress - Greenpeace UK
Conservative party conspiracy to sabotage climate change progress - Greenpeace UK
If your interested in wildlife and nature and the future of Somerset's wonderful countryside and not forgetting bio diversity then you must watch this!
If your interested in wildlife and nature and the future of Somerset's wonderful countryside and not forgetting bio diversity then you must watch this!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Nick Baker on Westhay nature reserve.
If you don't follow the Somerset Wildlife Trust on Facebook you are missing a treat. Here is a very recent posting with a video clip describing a nature reserve not far from where I live and which I only occasionally visit. Time and other interests make it difficult to keep in touch with the natural world around us but it's a shame if we don't try. Thanks to Jane for bringing it to our attention!
Viewing this video with Nick Baker taking us on a walk on the reserve is very well put together and gives us an insight into our own local natural world.
Here are links to the Trusts Facebook page and to the video clip
http://www.facebook.com/somersetwildlifetrust?
Friday, November 09, 2012
Recipes for Disaster. George Monbiot
Recipes for Disaster
Once again George spotlights a serious issue. This time it's the way responsible people promote the eating of fish that are on the unsustainable list. Use the link to see the article.
Incidentally a member of the audience for Question Time last night actually challenged the panel on the subject of economic growth. As she rightly said it is irresponsible to continue to talk about restoring wealth and the economy as if it can continue without limit for ever.
I've written before about the book "Only one Earth--The Care and Maintenance of a Small Planet" written in 1972 and still very few people and Governments act on its advice and warning.
George is commenting on a similar blind spot in our understanding of the reality of living on a small planet!
Friday, November 02, 2012
Eco- therapy! Richard Mabey explains.
There is an interesting comparison between this post and my last. In this post the message is the value of getting involved with nature. In my last post it was all about human beings being totally disconnected from nature in the pursuit of wealth, power and denigration of fellow human beings who dared to say no.
I am rapidly becoming a Richard Mabey fan. Although I've read some of his many books and articles and admired his literary skills nothing has connected with me as much as listening to a BBC video of a programme on BBC World Service.A friend sent me this photo taken in their garden. Its a common spider which can change its colour to suit its location.
If you are interested in nature or the conservation of wildlife in any way at all then I hope that listening to this programme you will find as I have done a new value, purpose and benefit in the pursuit of your interest.
Here is a link to the BBC programme recording :
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00z9srx/Health_Check_Ecotherapy/
or use this URL
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00z9srx/Health_Check_Ecotherapy
I have in the last year or two attended a workshop arranged by Somerset Wildlife Trust with MIND on the subject of mental health but I dont recall it as being as relevant as this programme on Eco Therapy.
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